HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 1 H A R T / M c I N T U R F F Study #6093 February 26-March 1, 2009 Overall margin of error: 3.1 percentage points Margins of Error for Subsample Questions Question Number Subsample Margin Of Error (+/-) 6, 12, 14, 20, 22a, 25, 26, 32a, 32c, 35 6, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22b, 25, 30, 32b, 32d, 35 Half sample (Form A) 4.4 Half sample (Form B) 4.4
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 2 1724 Connecticut Avenue, NW Interviews: 1,007 adults, including Washington, DC 20009 102 reached by cell phone (202) 234-5570 Date: February 26-March 1, 2009 FINAL Study #6093 February 26-March 1, 2009 48 Male 52 Female [109] Please note: all results are shown as percentages unless otherwise stated. The margin of error for 1,007 interviews is ± 3.1% (ASK ONLY OF SAMPLE TYPE 2 CELL PHONE ONLY RESPONDENTS.) 1. Do you have a landline in addition to your cell phone, or is your cell phone the only telephone you have? Have a landline... - TERMINATE [139] Cell phone is only telephone... 100 CONTINUE Not sure... - TERMINATE 2a. For statistical purposes only, would you please tell me how old you are? (IF REFUSED, ASK:) Well, would you tell me which age group you belong to? 18-24... 7 [140-141] 25-29... 7 30-34... 12 35-39... 6 40-44... 8 45-49... 10 50-54... 10 55-59... 10 60-64... 9 65-69... 7 70-74... 4 75 and over... 8 Not sure/refused... 2 2b. To ensure that we have a representative sample, would you please tell me whether you are from a Hispanic or Spanish-speaking background? Yes, Hispanic... 11 [142] No, not Hispanic... 89 Not sure/refused... - 2c. And again, for statistical purposes only, what is your race white, black, Asian, or something else? White... 75 [143] Black... 11 Asian... 1 Other... 5 Hispanic (VOL)... 7 Not sure/refused... 1
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 3 3. All in all, do you think that things in the nation are generally headed in the right direction, or do you feel that things are off on the wrong track? High Low 2/09 1/09 12/08 10/17-20/08+ 10/4-5/08+ 9/19-22/08+ 9/01 10/17-20/08+ Headed in the right direction... 41 26 26 12 12 16 72 12 [144] Off on the wrong track... 44 59 60 78 77 73 11 78 Mixed (VOL)... 9 9 10 7 9 9 11 7 Not sure... 6 6 4 3 2 2 6 3 + Results shown reflect responses among registered voters. 8/08+ 7/08+ 6/08+ 4/08+ 3/7-10/08+ 1/08+ 6/07 18 13 16 15 20 20 19 67 74 71 73 66 68 68 12 10 11 10 11 9 11 3 3 2 2 3 3 2 1/07 6/06 1/06 7/05 1/05 6/04+ 1/04 28 27 31 34 40 36 47 57 61 57 52 47 48 43 13 10 10 12 10 14 6 2 2 2 2 3 2 4 7/03 1/03 6/02 1/02 3/01 3/93 42 36 52 62 52 43 44 47 31 20 32 35 9 14 14 14 11 11 4 3 3 4 5 11 4a. In general, do you approve or disapprove of the job that Barack Obama is doing as president? Approve... 60 [145] Disapprove... 26 Not sure... 14 4b. Do you generally approve or disapprove of the job that Barack Obama is doing in handling the economy? Approve... 56 [146] Disapprove... 31 Not sure... 13
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 4 5. In general, do you approve or disapprove of the job that Congress is doing? High Low 2/09 1/09 12/08 10/17-20/08+ 10/4-5/08+ 9/19-22/08+ 7/08+ 9/98 10/17-20/08+ Approve... 31 23 21 12 13 15 15 61 12 [147] Disapprove... 54 68 69 79 78 73 75 28 79 Not sure... 15 9 10 9 9 12 10 11 9 6/08+ 1/08 6/07 3/07 6/06 1/06 13 18 23 31 23 29 79 70 64 53 64 56 8 12 13 16 13 15 7/05 1/05 6/04+ 1/04 5/03+ 1/03 28 41 40 46 43 42 55 40 42 41 43 39 17 19 18 13 14 19 6/02 1/02 6/01 1/01 6/00+ 1/00 43 54 47 48 43 48 41 29 34 35 46 36 16 17 19 17 11 16 6/99 1/99 40 50 42 40 18 10 + Results shown reflect responses among registered voters.
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 5 6. Now I'm going to read you the names of several public figures, and I'd like you to rate your feelings toward each one as either very positive, somewhat positive, neutral, somewhat negative, or very negative. If you don't know the name, please just say so. Barack Obama Positive Positive Neutral Negative Negative Don't Know Name/ Not Sure February 2009... 47 21 12 9 10 1 January 2009... 43 23 17 8 6 3 December 2008... 45 22 15 8 8 2 October 17-20, 2008+... 37 19 10 10 23 1 October 4-5, 2008+... 30 22 12 12 23 1 September 19-22, 2008+... 29 19 15 14 22 1 September 6-8, 2008+... 33 20 13 12 20 2 August 2008+... 28 22 13 17 19 1 July 2008+... 27 21 16 11 23 2 June 2008+... 25 23 17 11 22 2 April 2008+... 23 23 16 17 20 1 March 24-25, 2008+... 24 25 18 16 16 1 March 7-10, 2008+... 25 26 18 13 15 3 January 2008... 19 30 22 11 14 4 December 2007... 17 29 22 14 12 6 November 2007... 15 28 24 12 12 9 September 2007... 15 27 23 13 12 10 July 2007... 16 26 24 12 10 12 April 2007... 19 26 25 8 6 16 March 2007... 18 19 26 11 6 20 High December 2008... 45 22 15 8 8 2 Low Oct. 28-30, 2006+... 14 17 18 5 6 40 [148] + Results shown reflect responses among registered voters.
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 6 Q.6 (cont'd) The Democratic Party Positive Positive Neutral Negative Negative Don't Know Name/ Not Sure February 2009... 20 29 18 14 17 2 December 2008... 17 32 22 15 13 1 October 17-20, 2008+... 16 23 22 17 21 1 October 4-5, 2008+... 15 26 20 18 19 2 September 19-22, 2008+... 19 23 20 16 20 2 September 6-8, 2008+... 24 25 17 19 14 1 August 2008+... 17 26 21 16 19 1 July 2008+... 15 28 18 18 19 2 June 2008+... 16 27 24 13 19 1 April 2008+... 17 27 22 15 17 2 March 7-10, 2008+... 20 25 18 16 19 2 January 2008... 22 25 19 18 15 1 November 2007... 12 27 24 18 17 2 September 2007... 8 26 27 22 16 1 July 2007... 15 27 21 20 15 2 June 2007... 12 30 22 19 16 1 January 2007... 13 29 26 16 14 2 October 28-30, 2006+... 14 25 25 18 17 1 July 2006... 7 25 27 22 17 2 January 2006... 11 25 28 20 15 1 September 2005... 11 26 29 18 14 2 May 2005... 12 26 26 20 14 2 February 2005... 14 28 28 16 13 1 October 2004+... 17 25 22 16 19 1 September 2004+... 16 26 20 18 19 1 High January 2000... 20 30 23 15 10 2 Low July 2006... 7 25 27 22 17 2 [149/155] + Results shown reflect responses among registered voters.
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 7 Q.6 (cont'd) The Republican Party Positive Positive Neutral Negative Negative Don't Know Name/ Not Sure February 2009... 7 19 24 25 22 3 December 2008... 7 20 20 26 26 1 October 17-20, 2008+... 11 21 18 23 25 2 October 4-5, 2008+... 12 23 17 21 26 1 September 19-22, 2008+... 13 21 18 19 28 1 September 6-8, 2008+... 18 22 15 18 25 2 August 2008+... 10 25 22 19 23 1 July 2008+... 8 23 20 22 26 1 June 2008+... 7 21 24 22 25 1 April 2008+... 8 19 23 22 26 2 March 7-10, 2008+... 10 24 15 21 28 2 January 2008... 13 21 26 19 18 3 November 2007... 8 24 24 20 22 2 September 2007... 8 23 20 27 20 2 July 2007... 8 25 19 23 23 2 June 2007... 7 21 21 23 26 2 January 2007... 10 23 21 23 21 2 Oct 28-30, 2006+... 15 20 16 20 28 1 July 2006... 11 22 18 21 25 3 January 2006... 13 24 20 20 22 1 September 2005... 14 23 20 19 22 2 May 2005... 13 27 17 19 22 2 February 2005... 17 27 19 18 18 1 October 2004+... 20 24 18 15 22 1 September 2004+... 21 22 16 18 22 1 High December 2001... 21 36 18 13 9 3 Low December 2008... 7 20 20 26 26 1 Michelle Obama February 2009... 43 20 24 5 3 5 December 2008... 31 23 24 7 8 7 September 6-8, 2008+... 21 19 23 11 20 6 August 2008+... 19 19 28 11 18 5 July 2008+... 17 17 27 13 18 8 March 2008+... 14 18 32 9 11 16 [150/156] [151/157] + Results shown reflect responses among registered voters.
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 8 Q.6 (cont'd) Nancy Pelosi Positive Positive Neutral Negative Negative Don't Know Name/ Not Sure February 2009 *... 12 19 15 9 28 17 January 2009... 9 17 19 10 26 19 October 4-5, 2008+... 7 16 21 14 27 15 January 2008... 5 17 21 11 22 24 April 2007... 11 18 20 12 18 21 January 2007... 10 18 23 9 15 25 December 2006... 9 16 21 8 15 31 October 2006+... 4 10 18 8 17 43 September 2006+... 4 11 12 7 16 50 December 2005... 3 10 20 6 12 49 February 2005... 5 10 17 6 10 52 December 2002... 3 8 16 4 8 61 Hillary Clinton February 2009 *... 32 27 18 11 11 1 January 2009... 27 29 14 15 14 1 December 2008... 27 26 20 14 12 1 September 2008+... 23 24 15 17 20 1 August 2008+... 17 25 16 18 23 1 June 2008+... 18 28 14 17 22 1 April 2008+... 20 22 14 19 25 - March 24-25, 2008+... 17 20 15 21 27 - March 7-10, 2008+... 22 23 11 14 29 1 January 2008... 24 23 11 11 30 1 June 2007... 18 24 15 16 26 1 March 2007... 16 23 17 15 28 1 December 2006... 21 22 17 12 26 2 April 2006... 19 19 19 13 28 2 December 2004... 24 21 14 11 29 1 High January 1999... 35 23 16 11 14 1 Low March 2001... 16 19 15 18 31 1 Alex Rodriguez February 2009 *... 4 6 21 11 13 45 [152] [153] [154] * Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM A). + Results shown reflect responses among registered voters.
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 9 Q.6 (cont d) John McCain Positive Positive Neutral Negative Negative Don't Know Name/ Not Sure February 2009 **... 13 29 28 15 12 3 December 2008... 11 30 25 21 12 1 October 17-20, 2008+... 19 25 16 18 21 1 October 4-5, 2008+... 18 25 16 18 21 2 September 19-22, 2008+... 22 24 15 17 21 1 September 6-8, 2008+... 25 25 16 15 18 1 August 2008+... 14 31 21 16 17 1 July 2008+... 13 29 26 16 14 2 June 2008+... 11 28 25 19 15 2 April 2008+... 11 29 27 17 13 3 March 24-25, 2008+... 14 31 26 15 10 4 March 7-10, 2008+... 15 32 23 15 12 3 January 2008... 14 31 26 15 7 7 December 2007... 10 29 26 21 7 7 November 2007... 8 27 31 19 7 8 September 2007... 9 27 26 18 11 9 July 2007... 7 28 25 20 9 11 April 2007... 11 31 27 15 7 9 March 2007... 12 31 25 15 9 8 December 2006... 13 33 22 16 4 12 June 2006... 11 29 29 11 5 15 April 2006... 12 27 28 13 6 14 August 2004+... 18 33 26 8 4 11 July 2004+... 19 30 30 9 2 10 May 2004+... 20 30 26 8 5 11 High August 2004+... 18 33 26 8 4 11 Low October 1999... 9 20 22 5 2 42 Tim Geithner [159] February 2009 **... 2 12 17 9 9 51 Bobby Jindal [160] February 2009 **... 7 8 13 7 8 57 ** Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM B). + Results shown reflect responses among registered voters. [158]
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 10 7a. In looking at what President Obama is doing in terms of his leadership and plans for the country, do you feel more hopeful or more doubtful? More hopeful... 67 [161] More doubtful... 28 Mixed (VOL)... 4 Not sure... 1 7b. When it comes to the presidency of Barack Obama, do you strongly relate to him as your president, somewhat relate to him as your president, relate to him only a little as your president, or not really relate to him as your president? 2/09 1/09 12/08 Strongly relate to him... 43 50 47 [162] relate to him... 26 26 27 Relate to him only a little... 13 12 12 Will not really relate to him... 16 8 9 Not sure... 2 4 5 8a. How likely do you think it is that Barack Obama will bring real change in direction to the country very likely, fairly likely, just somewhat likely, or not that likely? 2/09 12/08 10/17-20/08+ 9/19-22/08+ 9/6-8/08+ 6/08+ likely to bring real change in direction... 43 37 32 30 30 29 [163] Fairly likely to bring real change in direction... 18 21 19 18 22 19 Just somewhat likely to bring real change in direction... 20 23 23 22 21 28 Not that likely to bring real change in direction... 17 17 23 28 24 23 Not sure... 2 2 3 2 3 1 + Results shown reflect responses among registered voters. 8b. And how confident are you that Barack Obama has the right set of goals and policies to be president of the United States extremely confident, quite confident, only somewhat confident, or not at all confident? 2/09 12/08 Extremely confident... 31 30 [164] Quite confident... 23 24 Only somewhat confident... 26 29 Not at all confident... 19 16 Not sure... 1 1
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 11 9. I'm going to read you two statements about the role of government, and I'd like to know which one comes closer to your point of view. Statement A: Government should do more to solve problems and help meet the needs of people, OR Statement B: Government is doing too many things better left to businesses and individuals. 2/09 10/4-5/08+ 9/19-22/08+ 7/08+ 9/07 A/government should do more... 51 47 48 53 55 [165] B/government is doing too many things... 40 45 42 42 38 Some of both (VOL)... 7 7 8 NA 6 Not sure... 2 1 2 5 1 3/07 1/02 12/97 12/95 1 52 45 41 32 40 43 51 62 6 9 5 NA 2 3 3 6 1 In December 1995, this question was phrased, Some people think the government is trying to do too many things that should be left to individuals and businesses. Others think that government should do more to solve our country's problems. Which comes closer to your own view? + Results shown reflect responses among registered voters. 10. Thinking about what you have seen in Washington, do you feel that there is a sense of bipartisan cooperation on dealing with the problems facing the country, or do you feel that there is still the same partisan divide that has existed in the past? Sense of bipartisan cooperation... 14 [166] Same partisan divide as the past... 79 Depends/some of both (VOL)... 4 Not sure... 3 11. When it comes to the partisanship that goes on in Washington, how much blame for this situation do you feel that (READ ITEM) deserve(s) almost all the blame, a major part of the blame, at least half the blame, a minor part of the blame, or almost none of the blame? THIS TABLE HAS BEEN RANKED BY THE PERCENTAGE WHO SAY ALMOST ALL OR A MAJOR PART OF THE BLAME Of The Blame Almost A Major At Least A Minor Almost Not All Part Half Part None Sure The Bush administration... 33 23 25 13 5 1 [170] Republicans in Congress... 17 24 42 12 3 2 [168] Democrats in Congress... 9 15 45 20 8 3 [169] The Obama administration... 4 7 15 25 43 6 [167] 12. When it comes to the partisanship going on in Washington, do you feel this is mainly due to an unwillingness of the Republicans to compromise and find a middle ground to work with the Democrats, or that this is due to an unwillingness of the Democrats to compromise and find a middle ground to work with the Republicans, or do you feel that it is equally the fault of both parties? * Due to unwillingness of Republicans... 29 [171] Due to unwillingness of Democrats... 14 Equally the fault of both parties... 56 Not sure... 1 * Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM A).
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 12 13. Do you think the Republicans in Congress have opposed President Obama's policies and proposals more because they are standing up for their principles OR more because they are trying to gain political advantage? ** More because they are standing up for their principles... 30 [172] More because they are trying to gain political advantage... 56 Some of both (VOL)... 10 Not sure... 4 ** Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM B). 14. I would like to read you several goals that Barack Obama has said he plans to accomplish. For each one, please tell me how likely you think it is that he will achieve it during his term as president. Is it very likely, somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely, or very unlikely that he will (READ ITEM)? THIS TABLE HAS BEEN RANKED BY THE PERCENTAGE WHO SAY VERY OR SOMEWHAT LIKELY Likely Unlikely Close the prison holding terrorist suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba [179] February 2009 *... 53 29 7 6 5 December 2008... 35 33 12 10 10 Improve America's image around the world [178] February 2009 *... 44 37 7 10 2 December 2008... 48 32 7 10 3 Pull most American troops out of Iraq within the next nineteen months [214] February 2009 **... 39 42 9 8 2 December 2008 1... 27 43 16 12 2 Repair the country's roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure [180] February 2009 *... 32 48 11 7 2 December 2008... 24 49 13 10 4 Extend health care coverage to more Americans [217] February 2009 **... 34 44 13 6 3 Increase the number of troops in Afghanistan [219] February 2009 **... 46 28 9 12 5 December 2008... 30 32 18 16 4 Get the economy back on track [173/211] February 2009... 25 41 14 18 2 December 2008... 26 47 13 11 3 Rework trade deals with other countries to make them better fit America s interests [216] February 2009 **... 23 43 18 10 6 1 In December 2008, the item was phrased, Pull most American troops out of Iraq within the next sixteen months. * Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM A). Not Sure
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 13 Q.14 (cont'd) Likely Unlikely Reduce taxes for the middle class [218] February 2009 **... 31 34 15 17 3 December 2008... 29 32 16 21 2 Create and save three-and-a-half million jobs [174/212] February 2009... 21 41 16 19 3 December 2008 2... 19 44 18 16 3 Reduce the cost of health care for average Americans [210] February 2009 *... 21 39 19 18 3 Reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil [177] February 2009 *... 19 35 19 24 3 December 2008... 18 41 18 21 2 Create more cooperation and less bickering between the political parties [215] February 2009 **... 16 36 20 26 2 December 2008... 25 37 14 22 2 Get the American automobile companies back on sound footing [209] February 2009 *... 10 40 22 22 6 Eliminate waste and fraud in the federal budget [208] February 2009 *... 18 31 17 32 2 December 2008... 17 38 18 26 1 Reduce the influence of lobbyists and special interests in Washington [176] February 2009 *... 14 33 20 31 2 December 2008... 18 29 18 29 6 Reduce global warming [220] February 2009 **... 12 31 20 30 7 Cut the federal deficit in half by the end of his first term [175/213] February 2009... 9 24 21 43 3 * Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM A). ** Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM B). 2 In December 2008, the item was phrased, Create and save two-and-a-half million jobs. Not Sure
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 14 15. I'm going to read you some news stories regarding various people and organizations that you may have heard about over the past two to three months. Please tell me which one or two of these people or organizations have most upset you by what they have done or the example they have set. THIS TABLE HAS BEEN RANKED BY THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE Bank executives taking large bonuses when they are receiving federal funds... 35 [221] Mortgage lenders making loans to people who would have trouble paying them back... 28 > The CEO of Merrill Lynch spending one million dollars to redecorate his office... 20 Corporations holding meetings at spas and resort locations when they are receiving federal funds... 17 CEOs of auto companies traveling in private jets to ask Congress for federal funds... 16 Obama cabinet nominees who failed to pay their taxes... 16 All (VOL)... 21 Not sure... 1 Now turning to the economy... 16a. How satisfied are you with the state of the U.S. economy today are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied with the state of the economy? High Low 2/09 1/09 4/08+ 12/07 9/06+ 9/98 1/09 satisfied... 1 2 2 5 10 31 2 [222] satisfied... 6 8 12 27 33 55 8 dissatisfied... 22 25 28 28 32 10 25 dissatisfied... 70 65 58 40 25 3 65 Not sure... 1 - - - - 1 - + Results shown reflect responses among registered voters. 1/04 12/02 10/02+ 9/02 7/02 4/02 6 3 4 2 4 6 45 33 27 32 42 44 30 38 37 41 39 33 18 25 31 24 14 15 1 1 1 1 1 2 1/02 12/01 1/01 4/00+ 10/99 12/98 10/98+ 4 5 18 29 23 26 27 43 47 57 52 53 54 55 39 32 18 12 17 13 12 13 15 6 6 7 6 5 1 1 1 1-1 1 9/98 12/97 9/97 6/97 3/97 12/96 9/96 31 18 13 10 13 9 7 55 52 52 51 45 51 49 10 20 23 27 27 27 30 3 8 10 10 13 11 12 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 6/96 5/96+ 3/96 1/96 7/95 4/95 12/94 5 4 3 3 4 4 4 43 43 39 37 39 40 41 32 38 37 38 35 37 38 18 14 19 19 21 18 15 2 1 2 3 1 1 2
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 15 16b. How satisfied are you with your own financial situation today are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied with your financial situation? High Low 2/09 1/09 4/08+ 12/07 1/04 9/98 1/09 satisfied... 15 15 17 21 19 26 15 [223] satisfied... 35 41 42 46 50 52 41 dissatisfied... 23 22 20 17 18 14 22 dissatisfied... 26 22 21 16 13 7 22 Not sure... 1 - - - 1 1 - + Results shown reflect responses among registered voters. 12/02 10/02+ 7/02 1/02 1/01 4/00+ 17 18 16 19 21 25 44 40 47 50 50 51 21 23 24 19 17 13 17 19 13 12 11 10 1 - - - 1 1 10/99 9/99 12/98 9/98 12/97 9/97 21 22 25 26 20 19 53 50 51 52 51 49 14 18 13 14 16 17 11 10 10 7 12 14 1-1 1 1 1 6/97 3/97 12/96 12/94 16 17 16 13 50 48 50 48 20 20 21 24 13 14 12 14 1 1 1 1 17a. When you think about the current economic conditions, do you feel that this is a situation that Barack Obama has inherited or is this a situation his policies are mostly responsible for? (ASK ONLY OF RESPONDENTS WHO SAY INHERITED IN Q.17a.) 17b. And how much time would you say that Barack Obama has before his policies are mostly responsible for the country's economic conditions? Situation Obama Inherited... 84 [224-225] Responsible in less than six months... 2 Responsible in six months to one year... 13 Responsible in one to two years... 25 Responsible in two to three years... 18 Responsible in more than three years... 23 Not sure when responsible... 3 Situation Obama's Policies Mostly Responsible For... 8 Some of both (VOL)... 6 Not sure... 2
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 16 18. Which one of the following do you think best applies to the economic recession the country is in? 2/09 1/09 It is almost over... - 1 [226] It will be over within the next six months... 2 3 It will be over between six months and one year... 11 20 It will be over between one to two years 1... 36 It will be over between two to three years... 25 }57 It will go on for more than three years... 24 17 Not sure... 2 2 1 In January 2009, the item was phrased, It will be over between one to three years. 19. Do you think that the recently passed economic stimulus legislation is a good idea or a bad idea? If you do not have an opinion either way, please just say so. 2/09 1/09 1 Good idea... 44 43 [227] Bad idea... 36 27 Do not have an opinion... 15 24 Not sure... 5 6 1 In January 2009, the question was phrased,... recently proposed economic stimulus legislation.... 20. Let me read you a couple of programs that are being discussed right now. For each one please tell me whether you tend to support this program or tend to oppose this program. THIS TABLE HAS BEEN RANKED BY THE PERCENTAGE WHO SAY TEND TO SUPPORT Tend To Support Tend To Oppose Not Sure The program to help some homeowners avoid foreclosure **... 68 25 7 [230] President Obama's program to help some homeowners avoid foreclosure *... 67 28 5 [228] President Obama's economic stimulus package *... 57 34 9 [229] The economic stimulus package **... 57 34 9 [231] * Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM A). ** Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM B). 21. People have criticized a number of things about the stimulus package. Which one or two of the following criticisms cause you the most concern? ** THIS TABLE HAS BEEN RANKED BY THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE Too much pork-barrel spending... 36 [232] Does not provide enough tax cuts to individual taxpayers... 21 > Spending is focused on the wrong areas... 21 Too much delayed spending on projects that will not start for several years... 18 Too many advantages for big business... 17 Not enough focus on job creation and worker training... 16 Does not provide enough tax cuts to businesses... 10 None (VOL)... 2 Not sure... 5 ** Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM B). 22a. And thinking about the next twelve months, how much do you think the economic stimulus package will help the American economy a great deal, quite a bit, only a little, or not at all? *
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 17 Will help a great deal... 8 [233] Will help quite a bit... 23 Will help only a little... 51 Will not help at all... 15 Not sure... 3 * Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM A). 22b. And thinking about the next two to four years, how much do you think the economic stimulus package will help the American economy a great deal, quite a bit, only a little, or not at all? ** Will help a great deal... 12 [234] Will help quite a bit... 25 Will help only a little... 47 Will not help at all... 12 Not sure... 4 ** Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM B). 23a. Last week President Obama announced a proposal to deal with the housing mortgage situation facing the country. The program is designed to help homeowners refinance their mortgages and avoid foreclosure. The government would provide lenders and borrowers with up to seventy-five billion dollars in funds to allow more homeowners to refinance and renegotiate the terms of mortgages for homeowners who are at-risk of heading to foreclosure. Do you think that this proposal to deal with the housing mortgage situation is a good idea or a bad idea? If you do not have an opinion either way, please just say so. Good idea... 56 [235] Bad idea... 27 Do not have an opinion... 14 Not sure... 3 23b. As you know, part of the program is to provide financial assistance to homeowners who are at-risk of defaulting on their mortgage, but have not yet done so. Do you think that this condition seems fair and provides assistance to people who have been caught up by the worst conditions in the past fifty years, OR seems unfair and rewards people who have not been financially responsible? Seems fair/people caught up by worst conditions... 36 [236] Seems unfair/people have not been financially responsible... 48 Depends (VOL)... 10 Not sure... 6 24. Which of the following concerns you more? That the federal government will spend too MUCH money trying to boost the economy and as a result will drive up the budget deficit, OR That the federal government will spend too LITTLE money trying to boost the economy and as a result the recession will be longer? 2/09 1/09 12/08 That the federal government will spend too MUCH money... 61 60 56 [237] That the federal government will spend too LITTLE money... 29 33 36 Not sure... 10 7 8
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 18 25. It is now agreed that, because the United States is in a recession and at war, the federal government will be in a deficit for the next few years. Given this, please tell me whether you would favor or oppose (READ ITEM)? 1 THIS TABLE HAS BEEN RANKED BY THE PERCENTAGE WHO SAY FAVOR Favor Oppose Depends (VOL) Not Sure Providing tax cuts for middle- and low-income individuals [238] February 2009 *... 80 16 2 2 December 2001... 80 16 2 2 Increasing spending on education [239] February 2009 *... 80 16 2 2 December 2001... 74 21 3 2 Increasing spending on improvements to the nation s roads, bridges, and transportation systems [244] February 2009 **... 74 18 4 4 Expanding the amount of time that people who have been laid off from their jobs can receive unemployment benefits [245] February 2009 **... 73 21 3 3 Increasing spending on health care [242] February 2009 **... 69 25 3 3 December 2001... 71 23 3 3 Providing tax cuts to businesses [243] February 2009 **... 55 29 11 5 December 2001... 54 37 5 4 Increasing spending on defense [241] February 2009 *... 42 49 4 5 December 2001... 73 21 2 4 Providing tax cuts for upper-income individuals [240] February 2009 *... 22 74 2 2 December 2001... 23 70 4 3 * Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM A). ** Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM B). 1 In December 2001, this question was phrased, It is now agreed that, because the United States is in a recession and at war, the country will be in a deficit for the next few years. Recognizing the fact that additional spending or tax cuts would add to the deficit, would you favor or oppose (READ ITEM)?. 26. Which party do you think could do a better job of getting the country out of a recession the Democratic Party or the Republican Party? 2/09 12/90 10/90 Democratic Party... 48 33 31 [246] Republican Party... 20 33 36 Both equally (VOL)... 8 7 6 Neither (VOL)... 16 17 13 Not sure... 8 10 14 * Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM A).
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 19 27. Thinking about the country's economic conditions, have we pretty much hit the bottom, or is there still a ways to go before we hit the bottom? Pretty much hit the bottom... 17 [247] Still ways to go... 76 Hit bottom already (VOL)... 3 Not sure... 4 28. How much have you been affected personally by the downturn in the economy a great deal, quite a bit, just some, or not at all? 2/09 1/09 1 1/01 Affected a great deal... 23 22 12 [248] Affected quite a bit... 20 20 12 Affected just some... 42 42 40 Not affected at all... 15 16 36 Not sure... - - - 1 In January 2009, the question was phrased,...the slowdown in the economy.... 29. Besides your home mortgage, are you currently in debt and owe more money than you have in savings and investments? Yes... 32 [249] No... 66 Not sure/refused... 2 30. Do you think of investment in the stock market as generally a safe investment or generally a risky investment? 2/09** 1/09 1 12/08 3/08 12/06 Generally safe investment... 16 17 18 22 27 [250] Generally risky investment... 79 78 79 73 66 Neither (VOL)... NA NA NA NA NA Not sure... 5 5 3 5 8 ** Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM B). 1 Comparative data was conducted by the CBS News/New York Times Poll. 6/05 7/02 5/00 5/98 21 21 26 28 74 73 67 63 NA NA 1 NA 5 6 5 9 31. If you were to receive extra money, in which ONE of the following ways would you use it? Spend it... 19 [251] Save it... 34 Invest it... 13 Use it to pay overdue bills... 31 Not sure... 3
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 20 Now I'd like to ask you a few questions about health care... 32a. Thinking about health care, please tell me the ONE item from the following list that you would most like to see Congress try to accomplish this year. (IF "ALL," ASK:) Well, if you had to choose just one, which ONE would you most like Congress to accomplish this year? * THIS TABLE HAS BEEN RANKED BY THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE Guarantee that every American child has health coverage... 32 [252] Allow the self-employed and small businesses to join together to purchase private health insurance at lower group rates... 20 Provide tax credits to small businesses to make it more affordable for them to offer health coverage... 12 Provide subsidies to help lower-income Americans buy insurance... 11 Reform medical liability insurance laws to cut the number of lawsuits... 10 Increase regulations on health insurance companies... 10 Not sure... 5 * Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM A). 32b. Which one of the following do you see as the most important health care issue at the present time? ** THIS TABLE HAS BEEN RANKED BY THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE 2/09** 3/07 6/98 10/93 9/93 3/93 The cost of health care... 44 38 29 42 42 48 [253] People who are not covered by insurance... 37 35 37 35 41 35 The quality of health care... 11 10 23 14 10 8 All equally (VOL)... 7 15 9 7 5 8 None of these (VOL)... 1 1 1 1 1 - Not sure... - 1 1 1 1 1 ** Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM B). 32c. Please tell me whether you agree or disagree with the following statement. "I would be willing to pay higher taxes so that everyone can have health insurance." 2/09* 3/07 1/07 3/93 6/91 Agree... 49 52 53 66 47 [254] Disagree... 45 41 40 30 48 Not sure... 6 7 7 4 4 * Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM A). 32d. Which ONE of the following do you think should have the most responsibility for helping ensure that Americans receive health insurance coverage? 2/09* 10/99 The federal government... 36 43 [255] Employers and businesses... 24 28 Individuals themselves... 31 17 All (VOL)... 6 9 None/other (VOL)... 3 1 Not sure... NA 2 * Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM A).
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 21 Getting near the end of the survey... 33a. Do you feel that the United States has accomplished as much as can be expected in Iraq or do you feel that the United States can be expected to accomplish more? 2/09 10/13-16/06+ 3/06 Accomplished as much as can be expected... 67 43 52 [256] Can be expected to accomplish more... 27 48 42 Not sure... 6 9 6 + Results shown reflect responses among registered voters. 33b. Do you think the war in Iraq has been very successful, somewhat successful, somewhat unsuccessful, or very unsuccessful? 2/09 7/08+ successful... 11 7 [257] successful... 42 36 unsuccessful... 17 19 unsuccessful... 27 34 Not sure... 3 4 + Results shown reflect responses among registered voters 34a. Have you heard about Barack Obama's plan to pull most American troops out of Iraq within the next nineteen months? Yes, have heard... 94 [258] No, have not heard... 5 Not sure... 1 34b. Generally, do you approve or disapprove of Barack Obama's plan to pull most American troops out of Iraq within the next nineteen months? Approve... 80 [259] Disapprove... 14 Not sure... 6
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 22 35. Looking ahead to a time after U.S. troops have left Iraq, how likely do you believe each of the following things is to happen--very likely, somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely, or very unlikely? THIS TABLE HAS BEEN RANKED BY THE PERCENTAGE WHO SAY VERY OR SOMEWHAT LIKELY Likely Unlikely There will be all-out civil war [261] February 2009 *... 16 38 25 17 4 June 2007... 40 37 11 7 5 The Iraqi government will achieve a stable democracy [260] February 2009 *... 6 41 28 21 4 June 2007... 4 31 25 34 6 There will be more attempted terrorist attacks against the United States on our own soil as a result of our troops having left Iraq [262] February 2009 **... 17 27 30 22 4 June 2007... 24 25 24 23 4 Iraq will become more settled and less violent [263] February 2009 **... 8 36 27 24 5 June 2007... 11 21 21 42 5 * Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM A). ** Asked of one-half the respondents (FORM B). Not Sure FACTUALS: Now I am going to ask you a few questions for statistical purposes only. F1a. Are you currently registered to vote at this address? Registered... 90 [264] Not registered... 8 Not sure... 2 F1b/c. A lot of people are unable to get out and vote for many reasons. Did you happen to vote in last November's election for president? (IF YES, ASK:) For whom did you vote Barack Obama, John McCain, or someone else? Yes, Voted... 84 Voted for Barack Obama... 44 [265-266] Voted for John McCain... 33 Voted for someone else... 4 Not sure/refused... 3 No, Did Not Vote... 14 Not sure... 2
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 23 F2. Are you currently employed? (IF "CURRENTLY EMPLOYED," ASK:) What type of work do you do? (IF "NOT CURRENTLY EMPLOYED," ASK:) Are you a student, a homemaker, retired, or unemployed and looking for work? Currently Employed Professional, manager... 19 [267] White-collar worker... 22 Blue-collar worker... 14 Farmer, rancher... - Not Currently Employed Student... 3 Homemaker... 6 Retired... 25 Unemployed, looking for work... 8 Other... - Not sure... 3 F3. What is the last grade that you completed in school? Grade school... 1 [275-276] Some high school... 4 High school graduate... 25 Some college, no degree... 17 Vocational training/2-year college... 13 4-year college/bachelor's degree... 22 Some postgraduate work, no degree... 2 2-3 years postgraduate work/master's degree... 11 Doctoral/law degree... 3 Not sure/refused... 2 F4. Generally speaking, do you think of yourself as a Democrat, a Republican, an independent, or something else? (IF "DEMOCRAT" OR "REPUBLICAN," ASK:) Would you call yourself a strong (Democrat/Republican) or not a very strong (Democrat/Republican)? (IF "INDEPENDENT," ASK:) Do you think of yourself as closer to the Republican Party, closer to the Democratic Party, or do you think of yourself as strictly independent? Strong Democrat... 23 [277] Not very strong Democrat... 8 Independent/lean Democrat... 12 Strictly independent... 20 Independent/lean Republican... 10 Not very strong Republican... 7 Strong Republican... 13 Other (VOL)... 4 Not sure... 3 F5. Thinking about your general approach to issues, do you consider yourself to be liberal, moderate, or conservative? (IF "LIBERAL" OR "CONSERVATIVE," ASK:) Do you consider yourself to be very (liberal/conservative) or somewhat (liberal/conservative)? liberal... 9 [278] liberal... 14 Moderate... 38 conservative... 19 conservative... 15 Not sure... 5
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 24 F6a. What is your religion? Protestant (includes Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and other Christians)... 50 CONTINUE [279] Catholic... 23 Jewish... 1 Skip to Q.F7 Muslim... 1 Mormon/LDS/Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... 2 Other... 8 None... 11 CONTINUE Not sure/refused... 4 (ASK ONLY OF RESPONDENTS WHO SAY PROTESTANT, OTHER, NONE, OR NOT SURE IN Q.F6a.) F6b. Would you describe yourself as either a fundamentalist or an evangelical Christian, or would you not describe yourself that way? Fundamentalist/evangelical... 16 [280] Neither fundamentalist nor evangelical... 50 Not sure... 7 Catholics/Jewish/Muslim/Mormon (Q.F6a)... 27 F7. How often do you attend services at a church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship? Never... 19 [308] Once a year... 6 A few times a year... 18 Once a month... 7 About twice a month... 9 Once a week or more often... 37 Not sure... 4 F8a/b. Are you a current or retired labor union member? (IF NO, OR NOT SURE, ASK:) Is anyone else in your household a current or retired labor union member? Labor union member... 15 [309-310] Union household... 8 Non-union household... 74 Not sure... 3 F9a. Do you own or rent your current residence? Own... 74 CONTINUE [311] Rent... 22 Skip to Q.F10 Not sure... 4 (Skip to QF10) (ASK ONLY OF RESPONDENTS WHO SAY THEY OWN THEIR RESIDENCE IN QF9a.) F9b. Do you currently have a home mortgage, or not? Yes, have a mortgage... 50 [312] No, do not have a mortgage... 24 Not sure... - Rent/not sure (Q.F9a)... 26
HART/McINTURFF Study #6093--page 25 F10. If you added together the yearly income of all the members of your family who were living at home last year, would the total be less than ten thousand dollars, between ten thousand dollars and twenty thousand dollars, between twenty thousand dollars and thirty thousand dollars, between thirty thousand dollars and forty thousand dollars, between forty thousand dollars and fifty thousand dollars, between fifty thousand dollars and seventy-five thousand dollars, between seventy-five thousand dollars and one hundred thousand dollars, or would the total be more than that? Less than $10,000... 5 [313] Between $10,000 and $20,000... 7 Between $20,000 and $30,000... 8 Between $30,000 and $40,000... 7 Between $40,000 and $50,000... 9 Between $50,000 and $75,000... 14 Between $75,000 and $100,000... 11 More than $100,000... 19 Not sure/refused... 20